There are hundreds of provisions in the Fiscal Year 2017 Defense Authorization Act, including dozens to modernize military health care and streamline TRICARE. On health care, Congress relied on the work of the Military Retirement and Compensation Commission, and also on best practices from the health care industry. Included among many reforms is greater use of telehealth technology and encouragement of partnerships between the military and top-rated private sector medical providers.

The House and Senate Armed Services committees are well into serious negotiations to resolve a wide array of differences between their respective versions of the FY17 Defense Authorization Bill. Some of the key issues involve the Military Health System and potential TRICARE fee hikes.

On Wednesday (Apr 20th), a free one-hour webinar will cover the VA claims appeals process. Topics include what occurs at each stage of the process, common pitfalls and ways to avoid them, and how to get assistance and representation for your appeal. The event is free and open to the public. Although hosted by the Military Officer Association of America, it is open to officer and enlisted military personnel and veterans, and non-military personnel (e.g., caregivers).

At 3 PM on Wednesday, April 20th, a free one-hour webinar will cover the VA claims appeals process. Topics include what occurs at each stage of the process, common pitfalls and ways to avoid them, and how to get assistance/representation for your appeal. The event is free and open to the public. Although hosted by the Military Officer Association of America, it is open to officer and enlisted military personnel and veterans, and non-military personnel (e.g., caregivers).

The Military Officers Association of America and other stakeholders were invited to Capitol Hill to discuss proposals to reform the military’s health care system. Lawmakers were receptive to MOAA’s and other inputs, and agreed the focus of military health reform must be on improving timely access to quality care rather than simply raising beneficiary fees.

In the Fiscal Year 2017 budget submission, the President is proposing $182.3 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The funding will continue to support the largest transformation in VA history and expand access to health care and benefits. Veteran organization MOAA identifies changes they’d like to see in the proposed budget, including smaller TRICARE fee hikes for retirees. As noted, the budget submission is just the first step in a long process.

Under new rules proposed by Veterans Affairs, most veterans can expect to see savings for outpatient medications starting next year. The new regulations will change the drug payment schedule for veterans with non-service connected conditions to a system similar to the TRICARE pharmacy program. Those with service-connected conditions in priority group one will still be exempt from paying.

The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) is an independent, nonprofit, politically nonpartisan organization that lobbies Congress on behalf of military personnel and veterans. Their legislative agenda for the current Congressional session seeks a strong national defense and key support issues for military members, retirees and their families. The agenda includes issues such as health care, pay and benefits, disability, timely VA support access, expanded caregiver support and other key issues.

Military Officer Association of America (MOAA) President, Vice Adm. Norb Ryan, USN (Ret.), testified before the House Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee on what’s working versus not working in military healthcare delivery, and what should be done about it. MOAA was invited to testify and provide its perspective on recent TRICARE and military health reform proposals.